White Privilege refers to the unearned benefits that some enjoy simply by having "white" skin. This blog is not about being guilty, but rather, being responsible. The privilege is at the expense of people of color but white people cannot maintain this system of privilege without losing a part of their own humanity. This social blog is dedicated to reclaiming our humanity through antiracist analysis, reflection, and storytelling. Send submissions: cjbalive@hotmail.com

Sunday, April 22, 2012

How to go from being non-racist to anti-racist

1.Stay with discomfort

2.Monitor defenses: being humble and keep mouth
shut until you no longer feel defensive

3.Allow guilt and transform it into motivation

4.Think of racism as personal/interpersonal but be
clear that these interpersonal interactions happen within systems and
institutions- that the systems depend on people to reinforce them and that
people can also reinforce systems of racism and oppression

5.Keep a both/and attitude (as opposed to
either/or). For example, many white people have worked hard to get what they
have AND they had a lot of help from the benefits of white privilege

6.Be vigilantly mindful: at any given moment
consider how whiteness and privilege are playing out or have played out in this
moment.

7.Take active responsibility for the personal
behavior AND the systematic arrangements in your community. Do not enact the
privilege of being able to live seemingly unaffected by these issues- the
privilege of non-action

8.Consider the costs of white supremacy/privilege
for the dominant (white) group.

9.Do your best to make racism and whiteness
visible by naming it when you see it- out loud, even if it may damage personal
bonds with other white people